Home > UO to educate incoming students about alcohol and substance abuse issues

UO to educate incoming students about alcohol and substance abuse issues

Submitted by rinne on Wed, 08/31/2011 - 14:49

NewsOffice of Communications 1239 University of Oregon, Eugene OR 97403-1239 - T 541-346-3134 - comm.uoregon.edu
(This news is online at: http://bit.ly/qeviRS[1])UO to educate incoming students about alcohol and substance abuse issuesAll incoming first-year and transfer students will be expected to complete online AlcoholEdu program
EUGENE, Ore. -- (Aug. 29, 2011) -- Starting this month, all incoming first-year and transfer students under the age of 21 at the University of Oregon will be asked to take AlcoholEdu for College, a web-based alcohol abuse prevention program.
AlcoholEdu is used by more than 500 colleges and universities in the U.S. to inform students about responsible alcohol behaviors and sexual assault issues. The UO's goal in adopting the training program is to reduce the negative consequences of alcohol misuse and abuse on campus and reduce the incidents of unwanted sexual behavior.
According to Jennifer Summers, UO's new director of substance abuse prevention and student success, the online alcohol abuse prevention program will inform students about responsible alcohol behaviors and sexual assault issues, as well as help students make healthy and safe choices as they transition to their new home away from home.
"By completing this program, participating students will be expected to have an appropriate and accurate understanding of alcohol and the potential for alcohol abuse, as well as an accurate concept of 'consent,' as it relates to healthy sexual relationships," said Summers. "AlcoholEdu is a tool that will engage students in a learning experience that creates a healthier campus community and student success."
The UO Office of the Dean of Students will administer the AlcoholEdu for College program. Students and parents are being notified via email about AlcoholEdu and the UO's completion requirements. All incoming first year UO students are expected to complete the program.
"For decades across the U.S., high risk alcohol misuse has been a barrier for thousands of college students in their journeys to be academically and personally successful. Historically, the University of Oregon has demonstrated a long-standing commitment in reducing the negative consequences of this public health dilemma through our extensive programs and partnerships," said Sheryl Eyster, associate dean of students. "We are excited to offer this evidence-based program using a population-level approach with our incoming students, and believe our efforts strengthen capacity for significant student learning and engagement."
AlcoholEdu complements existing educational programming, including the Substance Abuse Prevention Team's[2] workshops, services and prevention programs for students.
The UO also educates incoming students during summer orientation with theatrical productions by Sexual Wellness Advocacy Team (SWAT)[3] advocates for healthy sexual relationships who work to prevent sexual assault and dating violence on campus. The production focuses on bystander intervention and the role of peers related to alcohol use, sexual identity and defining consent in sexual relationships.About the University of Oregon
The University of Oregon is among the 108 institutions chosen from 4,633 U.S. universities for top-tier designation of "Very High Research Activity" in the 2010 Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. The UO also is one of two Pacific Northwest members of the Association of American Universities.MEDIA CONTACT: Julie Brown, UO media relations, 541-346-3185, julbrown@uoregon.edu[4]SOURCE:Jennifer Summers, Director of Substance Abuse Prevention and Student Success, 541-346-1139, jsummers@uoregon.edu[5]